Do you have one of those friends who always makes plans with you, and then cancels? We all know the type. I hope that I’m wrong, but maybe you are that person? Or perhaps you don’t cancel on friends, but you cancel on yourself. Especially when it comes to fitness.

Sometimes you need to observe what you’re doing. And then stop. Cancelling isn’t an option any more. Well, maybe if you’re stuck in bed with a fever or battling a bout of gastro. But for the most part, get up and get going.

When you cancel training sessions, you’re avoiding short-term pain, but losing long-term gain. The key to avoiding cancellations is to know what you are capable of fitting into your week. Be realistic with your expectations before you set your plans.

• Do you have childcare at the right time?
• Is there a crèche at your gym?
• Can the kids come to the park with you?
• Can you time training to fit in with sleeps?
• If all else fails, can you train in your lounge?

So what happens when a work deadline sneaks up on you? When you feel a bit sniffly and think you might need to rest? When a friend calls you in tears? When the kids are sick? You know me, I’m realistic and I understand that life can be chaotic. So, in these situations, postpone your training session. Make sure that you fit it in later in the week, in addition to whatever else you have planned. A double training session one day could be exactly what your body needs to get to the next level.

In short, leave the cancellations to your unreliable friend. Don’t be the person who lets yourself or others down. Your body, your mind and your friends will all thank you for your commitment.

Gretchen Masters loves helping everyone to get fitter, healthier and happier. With the solid foundations of an exercise science degree and over 10 years experience in the fitness industry, Gretchen knows how to help you to get the most out of your training.

Gretchen’s biggest project these days is Spring – a national campaign delivered online to fight depression. Held each September, members follow daily fitness plans, eat good mood food and access meditation podcasts. They track their mood and watch it soar. All of the profits from Spring are donated to mental health charities.

Gretchen also delivers corporate wellness programs and writes regular columns for Inform magazine. When she’s not busy boosting health and vitality all over Australia, you’ll find Gretchen planning her next trip to France. Each July, Gretchen shares her passion and guides groups from the French Alps to Paris, following the Tour de France.

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